Bill > SB2026

This bill introduces comprehensive restrictions and reporting requirements for foreign countries of concern and their organizations purchasing agricultural and real property in North Dakota. The legislation defines "foreign country of concern" as entities identified as foreign adversaries under federal regulations and creates new requirements for property transactions and ownership disclosures. Specifically, county commissioners, city councils, and other local government bodies are prohibited from approving development agreements with foreign countries of concern, with exceptions for businesses that have been registered in good standing for seven years, have been approved by the federal Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and maintain an active national security agreement. The bill mandates that county recorders cannot accept property deeds without a certification of the grantee's ownership eligibility, and requires organizations filing with the secretary of state to certify whether they are a "foreign organization of concern." Additionally, the legislation imposes penalties for falsifying ownership statements, including potential class B misdemeanor charges, and requires the agriculture commissioner to provide annual reports to the legislative management about foreign land ownership. Foreign countries of concern or their organizations found in violation will be required to divest their real property holdings within specified timeframes, with potential civil penalties of up to $25,000 for non-compliance.

Government Affairs

Legislative Management (Joint)

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2026.html